Visa delays have forced Sydney FC to drop plans to sign Trinidad & Tobago international striker Kevin Nelson. Sydney coach Pierre Littbarski was lining up Nelson as a replacement signing for injured forward David Zdrilic, but the week-long delay over visa paperwork scuppered the deal.
Nelson, who has fired South Melbourne into the final of Victoria's preseason Cup competition with a goal in every round, told "tribalfootball" last night: "It's very disappointing.
"It would have been an honour to play alongside Dwight Yorke for Sydney. He has already helped me get in touch with Leo Beenhakker and I feel I could have done a good job for Sydney. "Sydney wanted me and South Melbourne were happy to allow me this chance, but it wasn't to be."
Nelson, who has signed for South for this year's Victorian Premier League season, added: "Now I just want to help South win trophies and keep my name in the shop window for the A-League next season. Mr Beenhakker is also watching and I know if I continue scoring goals I'll have a chance of a call-up to the Trinidad & Tobago squad before the World Cup team is named."